CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)- Former Virginia pitcher Connelly Early made his MLB debut Tuesday night for the Boston Red Sox — and the lefty made it a memorable one.

Early, the No. 6-ranked prospect in Boston’s minor league system, struck out 11 batters over five scoreless innings, earning the win as the Sox blanked the Athletics 6-0.

The former Army Black Knight transferred to Virginia in 2023 and put up the joint-best win total in UVA history with 12.  He struck out 100 batters, only issuing 23 walks on a UVA team that advanced to the College World Series.  

Early stormed through the minors, living up to his surname and earning a callup from AAA Worcester after just one full season in the minor leagues.   

“Hasn’t really settled in too much yet, but we won the game,” Early told MLB.com after his debut. “And that’s what I want to do every single day I go out there to pitch, no matter where it.” 

Early tied the Boston franchise record for strikeouts by a pitcher on their MLB debut.